Anesthesia

Local anesthesia with sedation—just the area that is being operated on is numbed, given as an injection

Description of the Procedure

Several keyhole openings will be cut in the spaces between the ribs. Next, a small camera will be passed through one of the incisions. This small camera is called an endoscope. It will light, magnify, and project an image of the organs onto a monitor. The endoscope will be attached to one of the robotic arms. The other arms will hold instruments for grasping, cutting, dissecting, and suturing. These may include:

Forceps

Scissors

Dissectors

Scalpels

While sitting at a console near the operating table, the doctor will use lenses to look at a magnified 3D image of the inside of the chest. Another doctor will stay by the operating table and adjust the camera and instruments. The robotic arms and tools will be guided with joystick-like controls and foot pedals. After the instruments are removed, incisions will be closed with sutures or staples.

Immediately After Procedure

After the procedure, you will be:

Moved to the intensive care unit (ICU)

Closely monitored

Encouraged to sit up and move around soon after surgery

How Long Will It Take?

Usually 1-4 hours, depending on the procedure

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay depends on the procedure you had done. Your doctor may need to keep you longer if you have any problems.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Do deep breathing and coughing exercises.

Wash the incisions with mild soap and water.

Limit certain activities, such as driving and strenuous activity.

Enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from an incision site

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Rapid weight gain

Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs

Headache, feeling faint or lightheaded

New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.